Senegal’s President is happy about the announcement of a billion Fund for Africa investments. They were for the infrastructure urgently needed, he says Interview at the DW. That democracy is to be a criterion, revolted him.
Macky Sall and Angela Merkel at the Africa summit in Berlin
DW: in The Senegal is developing into an important Partner for Germany. Are you proud of that?
Macky Sall: Yes. Senegal is open to foreign investment and we are increasingly present in Germany. I’m glad of that, because Germany has many advantages: the industry, very dynamic small and medium-sized enterprises, a high level of quality in the service sector. I invite the German companies to come to Senegal. We are an open country in the midst of economic growth.
Which areas are interesting for the investor?
Development must cover all areas. The infrastructure is there at the very top. But also agriculture and its related industries are important, vocational education and training, tourism and various services, such as in the area of transport, water and energy supply.
Critics in Senegal accuse you of, they would strategically sell important sectors to foreign investors and their interests above the interests of their own people.
(Laughs) This is ridiculous! The water sector, we have the 1996 reform. The former government had advertised the project internationally. An international private company won, but the tender was open to all, also for Senegalese firms. Why have you not participated? And today, more than 20 years later, we should have companies that are able to make an acceptable offer. It is too easy to say that we will give everything to the foreigners. In addition, we are not able to live completely self-sufficient. Those who want to work, work. In all of the projects in our Plan, “Emerging Senegal” (the policy framework program, with the Macky Sall to be the country up to 2035 is to further develop, note. d. Red.) 60 to 70 percent of all public contracts awarded to Senegalese companies.
Young people in the Senegalese capital, Dakar
This does not mean that you neglect the Senegalese investors?
How can I neglect that I’m here? This makes no sense! I represent primarily the interests of the Senegalese. But if I need a train there in the Senegalese private sector, someone who can build it? We have to remain realistic. Senegalese businesses can take, for example, the construction of the rails. In the field of electrical systems, we have yet to find anyone! As we get started now. We build aircraft. If I need to, I need to buy them somewhere else! But in the case of Service and maintenance, our private sector is growing gradually, as in all countries of the world. And we support him.
One of the criteria for Germany in joint partnership with the democracy. In Senegal, President elections are in four months. Some members of the Opposition have legal difficulties, take part in the election. What does this mean for the democracy in your country?
Legal issues are everywhere in the world, be it Germany, France or the USA! In France, we have seen presidential candidates, against the middle of the election campaign was determined. We have shown French democracy in question? Why should this be so, when it comes to Africa?
The Western partners of democracy, but to be an important criterion when it comes to investments.
Can you love to do, and we will answer your questions then. But Africa is not here to have lessons to give. And the Senegal. I see myself as a Democrat and my country as a democracy. And I can’t accept such accusations without any basis, no matter who they come from.
Macky Sall, President of Senegal and was at the Africa summit in Berlin. Senegal is part of Germany launched the Initiative “Compact with Africa”: The eleven African States are committed to economic policy reforms. Western partners willing to provide technical Expertise and help to the Investors.
The Interview was conducted Fréjus Quenum.